Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at HCI College

Florida nursing programs produce widely different outcomes, and HCI College's estimated numbers raise important questions. Comparable programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $76,500—right at the state median—but with estimated debt of $42,000, nearly double Florida's typical $23,000 for nursing bachelor's degrees. That debt load, derived from similar programs at private institutions in the state, would put a graduate nearly half a year's salary in the hole at the start of their career.

The gap becomes starker when you look at Florida's community colleges and public universities, where nursing graduates report similar or higher earnings with dramatically less debt. Miami Dade College grads earn $90,000 while Valencia College grads pull in nearly $94,000—both $15,000-$17,000 more than peer programs suggest for HCI. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 isn't unmanageable for nursing, but it's considerably higher than what most Florida nursing students face.

For an anxious parent, the calculation is straightforward: you're likely paying significantly more for outcomes that don't appear to justify the premium. Unless there are compelling non-financial factors—location, scheduling flexibility, support services—Florida offers dozens of nursing programs with stronger track records at lower cost. The nursing job market is strong enough to absorb HCI graduates, but that doesn't mean this represents the best path to a nursing career in the state.